Impact Consulting Enterprises Called a Penalty on Human Trafficking During the 2026 World Cup

Strategic communications firm helped amplify It's a Penalty's human trafficking awareness campaign, generating millions of advertising impressions throughout the region.

NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As millions of soccer fans turned their attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Impact Consulting Enterprises (Impact) helped shine a light on an issue too often hidden in plain sight: human trafficking. The award-winning strategic communications and marketing firm supported the It's a Penalty human trafficking awareness campaign through targeted, bilingual advertising designed to help people recognize signs of exploitation, understand how to report suspected trafficking, and connect those in need with critical support resources.

Working through an integrated media strategy, Impact helped extend the campaign's visibility throughout northern New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area. English- and Spanish-language messages reached audiences through social media, streaming audio, traffic and weather programming, and digital out-of-home advertising in high-traffic locations. The outreach emphasized communities surrounding MetLife Stadium, transportation corridors, hospitality centers, malls, entertainment districts, and other locations where residents, workers, and visitors gathered during the tournament.

The campaign focused on three critical audiences: individuals experiencing or at risk of trafficking, members of the public who may encounter warning signs, and workers in industries such as hospitality and transportation. By placing information within people's everyday routines, the initiative sought to close the gap between recognizing potential exploitation and knowing where to turn for assistance.

"Human trafficking often hides in plain sight. Someone may be experiencing exploitation without recognizing it, while others may see warning signs without knowing how to respond," said Cheryl McCants, founder and CEO of Impact Consulting Enterprises. "Our work is about making critical information visible, accessible and actionable. The World Cup gave us an opportunity to help elevate an important conversation. But human trafficking does not end when the final whistle blows. Awareness, vigilance and access to help must continue long after the crowds go home."

The campaign generated more than 5.7 million advertising impressions through Meta, Reddit, streaming audio and digital out-of-home placements, extending the visibility of human trafficking awareness messages throughout the region.

For Impact, the initiative reflected a commitment that has guided the firm since its founding in 1989: making the invisible visible. From public health and community engagement to social responsibility and human trafficking awareness, the firm applies culturally fluent communication strategies to help organizations reach people who might otherwise be overlooked.

Human trafficking can involve force, fraud or coercion that exploits individuals for labor or commercial sex. Warning signs may include restricted freedom of movement, threats, withheld wages, or someone controlling another person's identification, finances or communications.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking can contact the New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-END-NJ-HT (1-855-363-6548). Individuals seeking victim assistance can contact Covenant House New Jersey at 862-240-2453, available 24 hours a day.

ABOUT "IT'S A PENALTY': It's a Penalty is a global nonprofit organization working to end human trafficking, exploitation and abuse. Through awareness campaigns connected to major sporting events, partnerships, education and advocacy, the organization encourages people to recognize warning signs, report concerns and support efforts to protect vulnerable individuals.

ABOUT IMPACT CONSULTING ENTERPRISES: Founded in 1989 by Cheryl McCants, Impact Consulting Enterprises is an award-winning, full-service strategic communications, marketing and public relations firm that helps organizations connect with audiences, elevate unheard voices and inspire meaningful action. Through culturally fluent storytelling, strategic media, public engagement and innovative communications solutions, Impact works with corporations, government agencies and community organizations to make critical information visible, accessible and actionable. We Make the Invisible Visible®. Learn more at www.eimpactconsulting.com.

SOURCE Impact Consulting Enterprises LLC